Quote:
Originally Posted by d15b7
I’ve just recently driven a C8 Z51 package (bone stock) on track. It was at a private track day rental (entire track rented for a special private venue). I’m a driving coach and was asked to be there to help out. There also was a new Shelby GT500 Track Pack (stock) which I also drove. In the past I’ve driven a stock C7 Z06/07, on the same track.
Impressions: holy shit the C8 Z51 is amazing. (and remember I’m old school and love front engine manual trans big power; hence my personal ZLE). the new C8 Z51 felt incredibly well balanced, and tight, and fantastic transitions and body control. No squeaks or rattles either. Great brakes. Decent power; fantastic transmission (I don’t like DCTs cause I feel they take some of the skill and fun out of driving, but this DCT is great). This car somehow feels MUCH lighter and more nimble than it has any right to feel given it’s 3700 lb weight. C7 Z06/07 felt much much heavier and larger when I drove it compared to the C8 Z51. It’s crazy how much more nimble the C8 Z51 felt. Right out of the box into the first corner.
in my opinion I’d say the C8 Z51, is a ‘better’ car than the C7 Z06/07 was. I bet it’s very close in lap times too. And when the C8 Z06/07 arrives? With another 175 hp? And even more importantly with even better brakes and better suspension tuning and huge aero? There is no way in hell that it won’t best the C7 ZR1 on the track. No. Way. This new mid engine C8 platform is that good (and it pains me to say that lol)
Then I drove the Shelby GT500 carbon track pack. I really thought that I’d fall in love with it. Nope. Nope. Nope. Our ZLEs are way way more fun on track. The Mustang felt so goddam heavy and no good in tight transitions (this was at NJMP Thunderbolt btw). It’s body control was no where near as good as the C8 Z51 (and my ZLE is superior to the Shelby by a significant amount too). Braking from high speed was a bit nervous feeling (not terrible but it swayed noticeably). I felt that in the C7 Z06/07 a bit too. Nervous under hard braking. my ZLE is rock solid in that department. The Shelby pulled extremely hard in a straight line and sounded glorious. The DCT is extremely good in it too. But I was totally let down by the driving experience on track. Hands down the C8 Z51 felt so much more at home on the track.
When the C8 Z06/07 hits the streets and tracks? It’s gonna break some hearts. Mainly those of other exotic car owners (think GT3RS and Ferrari 488 etc etc).
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Yep, I had a C8 Z51 for a year before I just sold it. People that haven't driven one really don't know what a HUGE upgrade the mid engine is. The C8 Z06 is going to be a track animal.